South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, witnessed an extraordinary event on Monday as snowfall blanketed the city.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), temperatures in Johannesburg plummeted to minus 3 degrees Celsius, marking only the third recorded snowfall in the city’s history. The previous occurrences were in 1996 and 2012.
In a statement, the SAWS explained that a cold front had swept across the Gauteng Province, leading to a significant drop in temperatures. The wintry conditions were not limited to Johannesburg alone, as the provinces of Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape also experienced snowfall.
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With the sudden change in weather, the SAWS cautioned the public and small stock farmers about the potential risks to livestock, vulnerable crops, and plants due to the cold, wet, and windy conditions.
The snowfall also had an impact on infrastructure, particularly the Gauteng Metrorail system. Tracks, cross-over points, and electrical cables were affected, prompting the suspension of some trains. The tension on the overhead wires resulted in power instability and failure.
The rare snowfall in Johannesburg brought delight to residents who rushed outside to witness and capture the extraordinary sight. Despite the disruptions caused by the wintry conditions, many embraced the unexpected spectacle and shared their snowy experiences on social media.
